Shaw's Cowfish (Aracana aurita)

Fish in the family Ostraciidae. Expert care. Not Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific nameAracana aurita

FamilyOstraciidae

Also known asShaw's Cowfish, Aurita Cowfish

Care levelExpert

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietomnivore

Adult size7 in

Minimum tank size55 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding schedule1-2 times daily

Appearance

Shaw's Cowfish is a tan to yellowish-brown boxfish with a distinctive cubic body shape and two prominent horn-like projections extending forward from the head. The body is relatively smooth with subtle patterning and a small mouth adapted for picking at small prey.

Diet and feeding

Feed a varied diet of high-quality meaty foods, small crustaceans, and quality flaked or pellet foods. Offer small frequent meals (1-2 times daily) rather than large ones. This species grazes on small benthic organisms and will benefit from live rock for natural foraging.

Difficulty and care for the Shaw's Cowfish

Moderate - Cold-water species often sold in the hobby. Requires colder water temperatures. Best suited for intermediate aquarists with appropriate setup.

Common health issues

Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Parasitic infestations, Temperature stress

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific from Indonesia to the Great Barrier Reef and northward to the Philippines.

Keeper notes

Cold-water species often sold in the hobby. Requires colder water temperatures (60-72°F) than typical tropical reef tanks. Not suitable for warm water reef tanks.

Log Shaw's Cowfish in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Shaw's Cowfish alongside everything else in your reef.

Download Reef Trak See the full app